William Richard Paul Jones

Loving Family Man. Generous Friend. Magnanimous Business Leader. Bill Jones was a man of many friends. If you didn't know him personally, you most likely are acquainted with many who did. He died September 5, 2007 of natural causes. He was 72. This boy from Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada had life stacked against him. His mother left the family at an early age, and he was raised by a disabled father. At a tender age, Bill became the breadwinner for his family. He survived by his wits, perseverance, and the kindness of others. By all accounts, he shouldn't have made much of himself. Instead of being justified by overwhelming adversity, he embraced his challenges and made life his friend. It fashioned him into a great husband, father, friend, entrepreneur, and business owner. He migrated from Western Canada with his father to California, and then to Utah where he graduated from Salt Lake City's West High School in 1952. He enlisted in the Army where he achieved the rank of Master Sergeant, and later graduated with a double degree in Economics and Industrial Relations from the University of Utah in 1960. He married the former Colleen Moore, and with her, raised five children in Arvada & Coal Creek Canyon. He was a passionate friend and father. He embraced the hard and wonderful of all his relationships, and always gave a full measure. His professional life started with the Sinclair Oil Company, pumping gas on the West Rim of the Grand Canyon, and grew to become a national sales manager with the Atlantic Richfield Oil Company. In 1976, he realized his ambitions to build his own company. He, in fact, launched a number of successful enterprises that have employed hundreds of people, and provided for thousands. Many of those companies continue to thrive today and follow his desire that the company serve a higher purpose than simply bringing value to the marketplace. It has a responsibility to generously provide for the families who work there. His notable success in business was built on remarkable ideas, fearless persistence, and an unfailing philosophy that he was investing first and foremost in friendships. In business, he uniquely regarded failure as simply an indication that the approach needed to change. He was a consummate achiever. There was never an excuse that crossed his mind or his lips. The reach of his generosity that was born in his boyhood, will extend for generations. He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served as a teacher, and was a friend who impacted both the young and old. He was an avid genealogist, and thrilled in family history work. He worked as a volunteer consultant, and helped many identify their kindred dead. He served on a committee who worked thousands of hours to research and present the extensive family history of Colorado Governor Bill Owens. His greatest thrill was knowing he could help those who had few places to turn. Deep in his heart was a desire to do good following the example of those who had extended him a hand when he needed it most. This perspective shaped the man, and opened his heart to the hungry, the needy, and cold. He would challenge people to step up and make more of themselves, generously lending his time, his talents, and his resources to help them do so. He is preceded in death by his father, William Isaac Jones, and his mother Heather Ann Jardine. He is survived by his loving wife, Colleen Moore Jones, five grateful children, Scott (Elizabeth), Michael (Kay), Kelley (Steve Grubin), David (Ann), and Kristi (Chris Wallman), and 25 adoring grandchildren. Services will be held on Monday, September 10, 2007, at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at 12995 W. 72nd Ave. Arvada, CO. A viewing will be held Sunday, September 9, 2007 from 6:00-8:00pm at the Horan & McConaty Funeral Home at 9998 Grant St. in Thornton. Interment at the Golden Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be generously made in Bill's name to: The Perpetual Education Fund 15 E. South Temple, 2nd Floor East Salt Lake City, UT 84150 About the The Perpetual Education Fund The Perpetual Education Fund is a revolving fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, created under the direction of President Gordon B. Hinckley to benefit young men and women in underprivileged countries. The fund is intended primarily to assist such people in their quest for literacy and self-reliance. Education is the key to opportunity. The fund will help members receive training in their native countries that is well-suited to long-term employment in those areas. The Perpetual Education Fund is not a welfare effort but an educational opportunity. It is funded by contributions from members and friends of the Church. This is a revolving resource, where money is loaned, repaid and then loaned again to assist others in need. Loan recipients will be charged minimal interest and will repay their loans when their education is complete and they have secured gainful employment. Your participation in this important program is invited and would be most appreciated by the thousands of young men and women for whom the doors of opportunity will be opened and whose families, community, and local Church organizations will be blessed.